What are the most important components of a vehicle? The engine? What about the transmission? The wheels. Here we talk about the Wheel hubs. It’s difficult to imagine a car that doesn’t have wheels. Although the transmission and engine are essential components of any vehicle’s drivetrain system, it would be impossible for a vehicle to move from one place to another without wheels. A viable hub assembly is essential for functionally rolling wheels. A viable wheel hub assembly (WHA) is essential for vehicle wheels to function properly.

The Importance and Usefulness of the Wheel Hub

While we have already spoken about how crucial a wheel hub assembly is to a vehicle’s functioning, there are many more components to this component than meets the eye. A properly functioning hub assembly will not only ensure that the wheels roll correctly, but also smoothen out the wheel’s movement.

The wheel hubs are found in the middle of the cars’ wheels. They are located between the brake drums and the drive axle. The wheel hub assemblies connect the wheel to its vehicle body. Bearings allow the wheels to move quietly and efficiently. Wheel hubs are an essential part of most cars, light- and heavy-duty trucks, and passenger vehicles.

Wheel hubs, like most components in an automobile, don’t last forever. It’s crucial to take action quickly if you see signs of wear to your wheel hub assembly to prevent any serious problems. We will be discussing how to distinguish between a defective and a good hub.

How To Tell a Good Wheel Hub From a Bad One

It’s easy to see the signs and symptoms that can indicate a damaged or defective hub. Good hubs don’t always need to be noticed, but it is easy to spot a bad hub if you know what signs to look for.

How can you tell if a wheel hub is on the fritz Let’s take a closer look at these signs:

• An obvious grinding sound: When it comes to wheel hub assemblies, a grinding or rubbing sound can usually indicate one of two things. It could be a sign that the wheel bearing has worn out and needs to be replaced. It could also indicate that the whole assembly is damaged and needs to be replaced.
• The ABS light will come on when the wheel hub assemblies are connected to the anti-lock brake system. The ABS indicator lights up on your vehicle’s dashboard if the diagnostic system detects an issue in the wheel assembly.
• A hum coming from the wheel: Although a grinding sound or rubbing sound is the most obvious sign that a problem with the hub, a hum coming from the wheel can also be an indication of the issue.

Hub Replacement Cost

Although car repairs can be frustrating, they are an essential part of owning a vehicle. You might wonder how much a new hub assembly for a wheel costs. This is a difficult question to answer because it all depends on your vehicle’s make and model. For example, If you own a truck it will likely cost more to replace than a smaller vehicle. It will be more costly to replace an anti-lock brake vehicle. There are many steps involved in replacing the assembly. When replacing an assembly, labor times should also be considered. For example, a Chevy Silverado truck may require several hours of work. A small passenger car, on the other hand, may take only an hour.

The cost of replacing a wheel hub assembly can vary from less than $100 to several hundred dollars depending on the type of vehicle and extent of repair. You can save money by purchasing new hubs from a trusted retailer like Tennessee Tires and Wheels. A retailer and a mechanic can often result in significant savings on overall costs. Contact us today to speak with a team member!